This year's autumn is as golden as it is emerald, and the grey rainclouds looming over the city have done nothing to subdue its vibrant colours. Roses, still blooming even in November, speckle the landscape with shades of red and pink. Nevertheless, it will soon be time for them, and many other living creatures, to go into their slumber, for night inevitably comes to all, albeit in different forms. This is why I am taking full advantage of the sun's final rays of warmth, as well as bringing Nature's colour palette into my wardrobe (and hair) once more.

If you are like me, and you always feel a marked difference between the cold outside and the heat inside, then short sleeves, warm oversized jackets and hoodies, tights, and knee-high/higher-than-knee socks are an option. Balance your body temperature out by zipping up, down, halfway, or taking your outerwear off entirely. Feel free to add an optional beanie hat when going outside, which I had done along with my hoodie, but let's pretend that the poltergeist who lives inside my computer did not particularly fancy those pictures and... ate them.

As for the legs, never underestimate how warm a thick pair of tights are, and keep in mind that nude tights seeming colder than dark ones is only an illusion. Layer your long socks on top; if you notice them slipping down (which they always do), keep them up with the help of a garter belt. Also, this is a very important point: make sure that your knees are warm at all times. Obviously, make sure that all of you is warm at all times, and do not sacrifice health for style's sake. Still, I cannot put enough stress on how tender your knee and waist areas really are, and how sensitive they are to the cold.

Finish the entire look off by adding your favourite warm-toned accessories (where would I be without my chokers and crystals?), drink plenty of warm liquids, and enjoy the rest of this fleeting autumn.

Devote a bit more time to one of the more enjoyable parts of the day that you normally have to rush through. If you like taking hot baths, get your LUSH bath bomb ready, whip up a home made body scrub, light a candle or two, and enjoy your improvised at-home spa treatment. If you are a tea lover, like myself, brew your favourite type of tea, pour it into your favourite mug, and drink it slowly to the sound of your favourite music playing in the background. Complete each phase slowly, and with precision and care.

Tip: lavender, chamomile and lemon balm are infamous for calming stress and anxiety.

2. Clean and de-clutter your room or houseThree years ago this line would have made me roll my eyes. It took me a while to admit that "artistically chaotic" and "know where everything is" simply do not ring true, and I promise you that devoting a day to cleaning and rearranging every single detail in your living space will leave you feeling so much more refreshed in the long run than having a lazy day in.

3. Make lists of things
This could be related to the above point, but it definitely does not have to be. Nor does it have to be a list of physical objects, or of tasks that you need to complete. Write down some of your fondest memories of your friends. Write down all of the creative ideas you have. Write down everything and everyone you are grateful for. Write down every tiny thing that made you smile that day (have you not wondered where my Little Healing Spells came from?). Or just make a shopping list, so long as your take your time with it.

4. Make a playlist consisting of your favourite songs
And after that? Play it on repeat until you feel better. I would advise you to try and select calmer songs, but I know that people's music tastes simply do not work that way sometimes. Who knows, maybe speed metal will help you get rid of all that pent-up negative energy. Try and keep the playlist around 10-15 songs long.

5. Download and listen to a book in audio format
If you have never tried this, I urge you to give it a go. You save space in your bag when you're commuting or travelling. You can enjoy your favourite reads whilst washing the dishes or soaking in the bathtub (refer to point No.1). Yet, probably the biggest advantage listening to a book has to reading it, for me, is that it gives your eyes a break, and it helps you fall asleep faster. I often need hours to fall asleep, and the "just one more chapter" self-delusion is never of any help to me.

And, of course, the obligatory clarification: all of these steps are simply my ways of dealing with my bad moods, and they will not necessarily have the same effect on you. If any of you have any rituals or healing spells for when you're feeling stressed or anxious, please feel free to share them in the comments section. I plan to add more lists to this one in the future.